Falcons News

The Springfield Falcons (33-15-1-4) defeated the Manchester Monarchs in a shootout by the final score of 4-3 Friday night at Verizon Wireless Arena, led by Paul Thompson’s first multi-goal effort in a Falcons uniform.

Thompson gave Springfield an early 1-0 lead, netting a loose puck in the slot past Manchester netminder Martin Jones at 4:01 of the first period. The Derry, New Hampshire native scored his second goal of the game at 10:42 of the third period, putting the Falcons ahead 3-2. In seven games since being traded from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Thompson has totaled five points (three goals, two assists), 18 penalty minutes and a +3 rating.

The Falcons got shootout conversions from Andrew Joudrey and Jonathan Marchessault, while goaltender Mike McKenna denied all four of the Monarchs’ attempts. The conversion was Joudrey’s third shootout game-winner and his fourth shootout goal in seven attempts this season.

Darryl Boyce equaled a team high with his third shorthanded goal of the season, giving Springfield a 2-0 lead 7:28 into the opening frame. Boyce, along with teammate Jake Hansen, is tied for second in the American Hockey League with three shorthanded goals this season.

Nick Shore –at 5:34 of the second period – and Colin Miller – at 6:08 of the third period – found the back of the net for the Monarchs. After Thompson’s third-period tally regained the lead for Springfield, Manchester centerman Jordan Weal scored his 13th goal of the season, tying the game at 3-3 with 1:49 remaining in regulation.

McKenna made 38 saves on 41 shots in 64:29 through regulation and overtime, earning his 15th victory of the season. The St. Louis native ranks second in the AHL with a 2.06 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.

Jones stopped 20 of 23 shots between the posts for the Monarchs, falling to 15-3-3 this season.

The Falcons went 0-for-2 on the power play, while Manchester went 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Springfield returns to the MassMutual Center for back-to-back home games Saturday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. versus the Hartford Wolf Pack and Sunday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m. versus the Norfolk Admirals. Stanley Cup champion Gregory Campbell will sign autographs for fans on the concourse form 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sunday’s game.